Walter Rosenkranz and Pia Kauma, Vienna, 20 February 2025VIENNA, 20 February 2025 – More than 240 parliamentarians from across the OSCE area have gathered in Vienna for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 24th Winter Meeting. Assembly President Pia Kauma, President of the Austrian National Council Walter Rosenkranz, OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu and Finnish Permanent Representative to the OSCE Vesa Häkkinen opened the meeting today with calls for action as the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act approaches.
Noting the evolving geopolitical realities in the OSCE area, speakers emphasized the enduring relevance of the OSCE’s founding document, which since 1975 has laid the foundation for the principles of Euro-Atlantic security. Among these, they said, are sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
President Kauma recalled that in just a few days, the international community will mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Observing that there are now renewed efforts to resolve the war, she underlined that any such resolution must involve Ukraine at its core, just as any discussion about the future of European security must involve close co-operation with Europeans.
“As parliamentarians, we must be vigilant against efforts to weaken our collective resolve,” President Kauma said. “Our message must be clear: Peace cannot come at the expense of justice. Nor can stability be achieved by rewarding aggression. That is why we must actively defend the principles of self-determination, territorial integrity, and the broader foundation of our security architecture.”
As a former ombudsman, President Rosenkranz highlighted the importance of ombudsman institutions, which are essential actors combatting maladministration and monitoring the protection and promotion of human rights. “I appeal to you to promote the work and independence of the ombudsman institutions in your parliaments in order to preserve this important tool for guaranteeing the principles of the rule of law”, Rosenkranz told the parliamentarians.
Feridun Sinirlioğlu addresses the Winter Meeting in Vienna, 20 Feb. 2025OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu called on OSCE participating States to collectively recommit to respecting and upholding all principles of the Helsinki Decalogue, and provide all the tools necessary to give multilateral diplomacy the chance it needs to succeed.
Representing the OSCE Chairpersonship, Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen noted that promoting respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law is crucial, and emphasized the important role of the OSCE PA in this regard.
In addition to the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, opening speakers highlighted issues such as cybersecurity risks, critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, and the instrumentalization of migration which are being used to undermine stability and require a concerted response. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the security landscape, it was stressed, but also offers opportunities, enhancing crisis response and diplomatic engagement.
This afternoon, the Winter Meeting continues with a number of side events, followed by meetings of the general committees on human rights and on the environment and economy. The Committee on Political Affairs and Security met this morning, featuring a debate on nuclear security. The Winter Meeting will conclude Friday with remarks by special guest Vladimir Kara-Murza and a general debate on “Priority Challenges to European Security.”
The Winter Meeting is streaming live at the OSCE PA’s Facebook page. Photos are available for public use at Flickr.
The full programme is available here.
